Ceres, the goddess of agriculture Ceres Ceres was the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain, and the love a mother bears for her child. She was the daughter of Saturn and Ops, the sister of Jupiter, and the mother of Proserpine. Ceres was a kind and benevolent goddess to the Romans and they had a common expression, "fit for Ceres," which meant splendid. Ceres, the goddess of agriculture She was beloved for her service to mankind in giving them the gift of the harvest, the reward for cultivation of the soil. Also known as the Greek goddess Demeter, Ceres was the goddess of the harvest and was credited with teaching humans how to grow, preserve, and prepare grain and corn. She was thought to be responsible for the fertility of the land. Ceres was the only one of the gods who was involved on a day-to-day basis in the lives of the common folk. While others occasionally "dabbled" in human affairs when it suited their personal interests, or came to the aid of "special" mortals they favored, the goddess Ceres was truly the nurturer of mankind. Ceres was worshipped at her temple on the Aventine Hill, one of the Seven Hills of ancient Rome.

Her festival, the Cerealia, was celebrated on April 19. Another special time for Ceres was Ambarvalia, a Roman agricultural fertility rite held at the end of May. Ceres is portrayed holding a scepter or farming tool in one hand and a basket of flowers, fruits, or grain in the other. She may also be wearing a garland made from ears of corn. The Romans explained the turning of the seasons with the following story: Ceres was the sister of Jupiter, and Proserpine was their daughter. Proserpine was kidnapped by Pluto, god of the underworld, to be his bride. By the time Ceres followed her daughter, she was gone into the earth. Making matters worse, Ceres learned that Pluto had been given Jupiter's approval to be the husband of his daughter. Ceres was so angry that she went to live in the world of men, disguised as an old woman, and stopped all the plants and crops from growing, causing a famine. Jupiter and the other gods tried to get her to change her mind but she was adamant. Jupiter eventually realized that he had to get Proserpine back from the underworld, and sent for her.

Unfortunately, Pluto secretly gave her food before she left, and once one had eaten in the underworld one could not forever leave. Proserpine was therefore forced to return to the underworld for four months every year. She comes out in spring and spends the time until autumn with Ceres, but has to go back to the underworld in the winter. Her parting from Ceres every fall is why plants lose their leaves, seeds lie dormant under the ground, and nothing grows until spring when Proserpine is reunited with her mother. This information on the goddess Ceres appears courtesy of Long Island Cares , a food bank in New York state. Their food banking computer system was named for her, and they put this information on their web site to explain why the name was appropriate. Mythology Mythology Mythology Ceres is the roman name for the Greek goddess Demeter. The introduction of the cult to Ceres in Rome dates back to the year 496 BC and seems to follow from the siege of the city by the Etruscans, while Rome was threatened with famine. For the Greeks Ceres was the Mother Goddess of the Earth. Seduced by Zeus she had a daughter from him, Persephone.

Persephone happily grew up among the other daughters of Zeus, but being extremely sweet and beautiful her uncle Hades fell in love with her. One day while Persephone was picking flowers (the legend has it, it was a narcissus) the ground opened and Hades appeared and dragged her down into the Underworld. Persephone cried out as she disappeared but, while hearing her cry, when Ceres arrived to the place there was no sign of Persephone anymore. For nine days and nine nights Ceres wandered around the world with a lighted torch on either hand, looking for her beloved daughter. Only in the tenth day she met Helios, who sees everything, and he was able to tell her what had really happened. Ceres decided to abandon her divine role until her daughter was returned to her. Ceres' self imposed exile from the divinities made the Earth sterile, so Zeus ordered Hades to return Persephone. But that was no longer possible. During her stay in the Underworld Persephone had eaten a pomegranate seed which linked her forever to Hades.

A compromise was reached by which Ceres would return to Mount Olympus and Persephone would divide the year: half with her mother and the other half in the Underworld. This is why when Persephone leaves the Underworld to be with her mother the Earth blossoms, bringing Spring and Summer to the mortals as a sign of the joy of both deities. When time comes for Persephone to leave her mother for the Underworld, autumn and winter cover the Earth in sign of grieve. Carlos P. de los Heros ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) Demeter - Greek Goddess of Grain - Demeter was called Ceres by the Romans - DEMETER C Gods and Goddesses Demeter Greek Goddess - Ceres Roman Goddess Information on the grain goddess Demeter. Demeter is the Greek goddess of grain and Ceres is the name by which the Romans knew her. Worship of Demeter is generally based on the story of the abduction of her daughter Persephone (Proserpina) as a result of which the earth experiences winter each year. Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters Thanks, You're in!

Ceres | Define Ceres at Dictionary.com Ceres noun 1. a pre-Roman goddess of agriculture under whose name the Romans adopted the worship of the Greek goddess Demeter. 2. Astronomy. the first asteroid to be discovered, being the largest and one of the brightest. 3. a town in central California. cere1 noun, Ornithology. 1. a fleshy, membranous covering of the base of the upper mandible of a bird, especially a bird of prey or a parrot, through which the nostrils open. Origin of cere1 1480-90; earlier sere, spelling variant of *cere < Medieval Latin cēra literally, wax < Latin Related forms verb (used with object), cered, cering. 1. Archaic. to wrap in or as if in a cerecloth, especially a corpse. 2.

1375-1425; late Middle English ceren < Latin cērāre to wax, verbal derivative of cēra wax Dictionary.com Unabridged Examples from the Web for Ceres Expand Historical Examples When the gods restored Pelops to life, Ceres was very sorry for her carelessness and gave him a shoulder of ivory. Ariadne Florentina John Ruskin As a matter of fact, the large estates only reach this latitude on the line from San Francisco to Ceres. British Dictionary definitions for Ceres Expand the Roman goddess of agriculture Greek counterpart Demeter Ceres2 noun 1. the smallest dwarf planet in the solar system, located in the asteroid belt. It has a diameter of 930 kilometres cere1 noun 1.

a soft waxy swelling, containing the nostrils, at the base of the upper beak in such birds as the parrot Word Origin C15: from Old French cire wax, from Latin cēra cere2 (transitive) to wrap (a corpse) in a cerecloth Word Origin C15: from Latin cērāre, from cēra wax Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for Ceres Expand Roman goddess of agriculture (identified with Greek Demeter ), also the name given to the first-found and largest asteroid (discovered 1801); see cereal . Her festival, Cerealia, was April 10. cere n.

late 15c., from French cire "wax" (12c.), from Latin cera "wax, wax seal, wax writing tablet," related to Greek keros "beeswax," of unknown origin. Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Ceres *** Who was Ceres? Ceres was the Roman goddess of agriculture and abundance. She was personified and celebrated by women in secret rituals at the festivals of Ambarvalia and Cerealia. The Cerealia festival was celebrated exclusively by women, who, dressed in white garments, carried torches in their hands, to represent the search of the goddess for her daughter Proserpine. During this festival, games were celebrated in the Circus Maximus, to which none were admitted unless clothed in white. The Ambarvalia festival was held during May, in which a bull, a sow, and a sheep were led around a field before they were given as a blood sacrifice to the goddess. The completion of sowing was celebrated in December with the festivals of Paganalia and Sementivae, that were associated with the two Roman earth goddesses Ceres and the primordial deity called Tella.

The name Paganalia comes from the Latin word 'pagus' meaning a rural district or township. The name Sementivae derives from the Latin word 'sementis' meaning sowing or plowing. One of the most ancient and important among the festivals observed by the ancients was that of the Eleusinian Mysteries, which was celebrated in honour of Ceres and her daughter, Proserpina. Picture of the goddess Ceres mourning the loss of Proserpina The Abduction of Perserpina Her beloved daughter, Prosperpina was abducted by Pluto and carried off into the Underworld. The poppy was a sacred symbol of Ceres in reference to the wild poppies which grew in the grain fields. A poppy was worn by the priestesses who served the goddess. The poppy was also sacred to her, not only because it grows amongst corn, but because, in her distress at the loss of Proserpina, Jupiter gave it her to eat, that she might sleep and forget her troubles. Refer to The mythical story of Ceres and Proserpine.

Facts about Ceres The following facts and profile provides a fast overview of Ceres: Ceres Profile & Fact File Role & Function: Her function is described as being the goddess of agriculture and abundance Status: Major Goddess and one of the 'Dei Consentes', the Council of Gods. Symbols: The poppy, torch, wheat seed and grains and the cornucopia, the horn of plenty, symbolising abundance Gender: Female Greek Counterpart: The Greek name for this goddess was Demeter Name of Husband: Unmarried but she took Jupiter as her lover Name of Father: Saturnus (Saturn) Name of Mother: Ops (Opis) Name of siblings: Brothers & sisters: Jupiter, Pluto, Neptune, Vesta and Juno Names of Children: Proserpina Facts about Ceres in Roman Mythology and History Discover interesting information and facts about Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and abundance. The facts about Ceres provides a list detailing fascinating additional info to increase your knowledge about Ceres in ancient Roman Mythology and History.

History and Mythical Facts about Ceres Fact 1 about Ceres: She was the daughter of Saturn and Opis and the sister of Jupiter, Pluto, Neptune, Vesta and Juno and the mother of Proserpina Fact 2 about Ceres: She is credited with introducing the art of cultivating the earth, teaching men to plough, sow, reap, harvest, and thresh out grain to make flour and bread Fact 3 about Ceres: The Cerealia, or festivals in honour of Ceres, commenced on the 12th of April, and lasted several days. Fact 4 about Ceres: Her seven-day April festival of Cerealia included the popular Ludi Ceriales meaning "Ceres games" Fact 5 about Ceres: She was also honored during Roman marriages and funeral rites.

Fact 6 about Ceres: The symbol of the torch is associated with the goddess as a mark of Roman weddings and also refers to her carrying a torch in her search for Poroserpina Fact 7 about Ceres: Her Temple was built on the Aventine Hill in ancient Rome and served the plebeians as cult centre, legal archive and treasury Fact 8 about Ceres: The senior priest who served in her temple was called the 'flamen cerialis'. Fact 9 about Ceres: She became the patron goddess of the plebs, whose enterprise as tenant farmers and grain providers and importers were a mainstay of Roman agriculture Fact 10 about Ceres: Ceres was the name given to the first found and largest asteroid which was discovered in 1801 Ceres (Greek Counterpart was Demeter) The Romans habitually assimilated various elements from other cultures and civilisations, including the gods and goddesses that were worshipped by the Greeks and other nations. When the Roman Empire conquered the Greeks in 146BC many of the Greek gods and goddesses were adopted by the Romans. The Romans simply changed the Greek gods names to Latin equivalents. The Greek counterpart of Ceres was Demeter.

The Roman religion significantly differed from the Greeks in that it was officially endorsed by the state and exerted influence over the government of Rome. Politicians took the offices of influential priests, called pontiffs, to gain control of the popular worship, Roman gods and goddesses like Ceres were worshipped at every public event, including the gladiatorial games, where blood sacrifices were made to the gods. In ancient Rome, the pantheon of 12 major gods, including Ceres, were called the 'Dei Consentes' meaning the Council of Gods. Ceres and the Roman Gods Family Tree and Genealogy The Roman gods family tree provides an instant overview of the genealogy and the family connections and relationships between the main deities, including Ceres, who feature in the legends and mythology of the ancient Romans. The Primeval gods and deities, the Titans and the Roman Olympians.

Ceres Interesting information and Facts about the Roman goddess Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and abundance Stories and Legends in Roman Mythology associated with Ceres Facts and information about the Gods and Deities of the Ancient World for schools and kids The Roman goddess of agriculture and abundance Ceres Goddess of Agriculture Goddess-Guide.com Ceres Goddess of Agriculture Areas of Influence: Ceres was the Roman Goddess of agriculture and grain. The word cereal is derived from her name. She is accredited with the discovery of spelt, an ancient strain of wheat and the knowledge of how to grow, fertilize and harvest cereal crops. After a terrible famine in 496 B.C. the Sibylline books were consulted and a recommendation made that Rome adopt of the Greek Deities Demeter , Dionyisus and Persephone . Their identities were changed to Ceres, Liber and Libera. Together they formed the Avertine triad. This Goddess also adopted Demeter's mythology as she also lost her daughter to the God of the underworld, for six months of the year. Her early Italian cult was similar to that of Tellus the Earth Goddess. She was aided in her agricultural duties by twelve minor Gods and Goddesses.

Ceres was also Goddess of law and order. At first this may appear a strange area of influence for this grain goddess however, she was accredited with the founding of agriculture and a move away from a nomadic hunter gatherer society. This necessitated a need for new laws to divide the land and protect property ownership as settlements grew into villages, towns and cities. This Goddess was also Goddess of transitions, protecting woman at the vulnerable points in their lives: between girlhood and womanhood and the time of change between unmarried life, marriage and motherhood. Her main temple is situated on Aventine Hill, one of seven hill tops that surrounded ancient Rome. Origins and Genealogy: In Roman mythology she was the daughter of Saturn and Ops. She had several brothers and sisters: Juno , Jupiter, Neptune, Pluto and Vesta . She married her brother Jupiter and together they had a daughter named Proserpina. Strengths: Fertility, abundance and endurance. Weaknesses: Lived her life through her daughter. Greek Equivalent: Demeter , other Harvest Goddesses Symbolism Pictured carrying a scepter or a farming tool in one hand and a basket of fruit or grain in the other. Sacred Animal: Pigs.

Ants were used in her temples to predict the weather and the future. Sacred Plants: The chaste trees, corn and pumpkins. She was also offered the first fruits of the harvest. Poppies were her emblem as the grow in cornfields. All other flowers were banned as she had lost her daughter to the underworld when she was out picking flowers. Festivals: Her festivals marked the different stages of the agricultural calendar. At the Paganalia festival when the seeds were sown, a pregnant sow was sacrificed to her and the earth goddess Tellus to ensure an abundant crop yield. Her main festival, the Cerealia was celebrated over seven days in late April. This encouraged the ripening of the crops and prevented pests and diseases. This Goddess was also celebrated both by communities and households in the Ambarvalia which was held each May. Ceres Archetypes The Mother: The Mother Archetype is a life-giver and the source of nurturing, devotion, patience and unconditional love. The ability to forgive and provide for her children and put them before herself is the essence of a good mother. In its shadow aspect the Mother can be devouring, abusive and abandoning.

The shadow Mother can also make her children feel guilty about becoming independent and leaving her. Ceres is a grain Goddess who teaches people how to nurture and harvest her crops. Later she also takes on the Mother role of her Greek counterpart Demeter. Rescuer: The Rescuer provides strength and support to others in crisis. They act out of love with no expectation of a reward. The shadow Rescuer expects the rescued party to be grateful and will often try to keep that person needy. Ceres is distraught when her daughter goes missing and does not rest until she has found her. She is frustrated as she is unable to save her daughter and is forced to compromise. How To Work With These Archetypes The Mother: It is not necessary to be a biological mother to have this Archetype. It can refer to anyone who has a lifelong pattern of nurturing and devotion to living things. You are exhibiting the features of the shadow Mother if you smother your children and are over protective. Encourage independence and allow children to make mistakes but be available to give care and advice when it's needed. The other shadow Mother is the one that abandons her children, or is so busy that she has no time for nurturing her young.

Rescuer: The Rescuer is one of your Archetypes if you are always trying to save and help people. What you need to ask yourself is what motivates you to act this way? Are you expecting a reward for your trouble or do you love helping others? Demeter (Ceres) - Greek Goddess of Harvest, Fertility and Agriculture. | Greek Mythology Pantheon Demeter (Ceres) Greek Mythology Pantheon > Demeter (Ceres) – Greek Goddess of Harvest, Fertility and Agriculture Demeter (Ceres) – Greek Goddess of Harvest, Fertility and Agriculture Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture Demeter (Roman equivalent is Ceres) is one of the largest and oldest goddesses of the ancient Greek pantheon. She is the daughter of Cronus and Rhea, sister of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades (Roman equivalent is Pluto), Hera and Hestia. Known as the Goddess of harvest, fertility, agriculture and vegetation soil, protector of the land and its products, mother of cereals (hence her name) and mainly wheat.

The birth of Demeter as the sister-dates goes back to the early years of theogony and accurately to the time when Cronus, son of Uranus, claimed and occupied by force the authority of the world. The fate of the blonde and beautiful daughter of Rhea, exactly after she came to the world, was harsh. The small Demeter, like her brothers, ended up to the stomach of the heartless father, and was liberated only when her younger brother Zeus with his trick (magic potion from Metis) managed to fool him. Demeter as goddess differed significantly from the other goddesses. Smart and attractive, had renounced from the beginning her divine abode. She never lived on Mount Olympus, but to the temples specially dedicated to her, close to those who believed and worshiped her. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Howard David Johnson Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Howard David Johnson The goddess of agriculture, discreet, modest and timid enough, had gained very early the sympathy and favor of the other Olympian gods. Her capabilities, skills and value had been recognized by all, while her personality and character demanded a special approach, special understanding and respect.

Demeter, in the sentimental area, was one of the hardest and snobbish goddesses. Although she was not very strong and rigid to her beliefs, she did not succumb easily in “love attacks”, even when the candidate lovers were very remarkable. Poseidon and Zeus were two of the small number of known and aspiring conquerors of her. They both persistently persecuted her and finally managed to seduce her applying various misleading tricks. Zeus was the first of the two brothers who tried to win. Although he suddenly fell in love with Demeter, he did not crave and besiege her as much as he did to Hera. The conscious and constant resistances of his sister made him think of cheats to trick her. Zeus transformed into a bull and managed to outwit her and from their union Persephone was born, the one and only beloved daughter of Demeter. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by jjlovely Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by jjlovely Poseidon was the second of two brothers who attacked Demeter with sexual purposes. The goddess in order to avoid it morphed into mare and hid in the flock of Apollo Onkiou’s son.

Poseidon, being brilliant, did not waste any time to perceive the trick. Without losing any time, he morphed into a horse, chased her and mated with her. A daughter (who was not allowed to pronounce her name) and a horse with black mane (Arion) were the fruit of their love. Demeter after her brother’s behavior, felt betrayed and cheated. Unable to drown her anger, she became vengeful goddess until she flushed her hatred and fury in the river Ladon and renamed herself to Lucia. The Olympian goddess, beyond the erotic match with her two brothers, accepted and loved passionately a young mortal. At the wedding of Cadmus and Harmony, Demeter met the handsome Jason and immediately fell in love with him. Without inhibitions and shyness, she left the wedding with him and in a well plowed field she delivered herself in his arms. After their sexual union, Demeter and Jason returned to the wedding with obvious signs of their act. Sludge in the arms and legs, made all the wedding guests to understand what had happened and be very angry too.

Persephone - Daughter of Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture Persephone - Daughter of Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture Especially Zeus, who did not like the goddesses to mingle with mortals, reacted violently to that association. He stroke Jason with a thunder, and after some time, the seed of Jason from his association with Demeter came to light, the small Ploutos (Wealth). The death of Jason was not the only evil act that Demeter experienced by Zeus. Even greater calamity came when she lost her only daughter, Persephone, after secret cooperation between Zeus and Hades. Persephone was a sweet girl, glamorous and above all very beautiful. The youth, the luster and freshness fascinated all who came across and many were those who wished to conquer her. Even Hades, the god of the Underworld, could not stay unmoved by her individual appearance of qualifications, who from the first moment he saw her, he wanted to make her his wife. Respecting even their close family bonds that tied him with Demeter, he first came into contact with Zeus to consult him and then decided to kidnap her.

At some point in time, Persephone had come out to play along with the daughters of Uranus in a meadow full of flowers. Hades kidnapping Persephone - Art Picture by Jynette Tigner Hades kidnapping Persephone - Art Picture by Jynette Tigner Full of joy as she ran from one place to another, picking violets, lilies and hyacinths, she suddenly saw a beautiful flower that really caught her attention. It was a narcissus who had a hundred flowers and its fragrance spread all over the prairie. The existence of this dazzling flower was not random that day. His presence in this meadow was a product of the cunning goddess Gaia who wanted to help Hades seduce her beautiful niece. The little daughter of Demeter, serving the purposes of Gaia without knowing it, was not at all indifferent to this extraordinary spectacle. She was captivated by the special glow of the flower, wanted to acquire it, and for that reason she brought her two hands to touch it in order to pull it off.

Demeter mourning and searching for Persephone - Art Picture by Jynette Tigner Demeter mourning and searching for Persephone - Art Picture by Jynette Tigner Immediately after doing so, the earth opened and from within, Hades sprung with his golden chariot and immortal horses. Persephone tried in vain to resist the kidnapping. The god of the Underworld, being cold hearted, was not moved by the tears and begging of her. He grabbed her by force, boarded her to the chariot and drove to the endless dark of his kingdom. Throughout the route, Persephone cried with heartbreaking voice trying to make her abduction perceivable, but it was very difficult. The speed of horses as well as the huge distance and chaos that separate the two worlds did not make it easy for incident to be revealed. Only Demeter managed to reach the echo of the voice of her daughter but not in time. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Shanina Conway Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Shanina Conway Demeter was a faithful and devoted mother to her daughter. Tender and sweet, she had a particular weakness for Persephone which was reflected in their relationship.

When Hades abducted Persephone, Demeter was really upset. The heartbreaking voices of her daughter who reached her ears, made her worry and take action. She ripped the cover of her head, removed her ornaments, put a black veil as a sign of mourning and poured out to look for her. For whole days she was running on land and sea seeking for Persephone. For about a week no one told her the truth and no omen had been revealed. She was getting frustrated… Holding lighted torches, Demeter continued wandering with no sleep, bath and food. Although visibly weary, she did not abandon her efforts, but continued searching with determination. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Todd1000 (Amy Adams as Demeter) Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Todd1000 (Amy Adams as Demeter) The ninth day she meets Hecate on the road. She informs Demeter that she also managed to hear the harrowing voices of Persephone, but she does not know the reason or the offender. Coming into contact with the desperate mother, Hecate becomes sensitive and decides to help Demeter.

She proposes that they should speak to Helios, because he was the only one, acting as a spy of gods and humans, who could reveal them the truth. Helios does not remain unmoved, having a desperate mother in front of him. Faced with her agony, he sympathizes with her and decides to reveal the perpetrator of the abduction. He names Hades as the perpetrator and additionally accuses Zeus as responsible, because Zeus gave him the permission and consent, to take the beautiful Persephone as his wife. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Gwendolyn Malfoy Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Gwendolyn Malfoy Demeter listening to the words of Helios gets furious and decides not to return to Olympus to ask for explanations. The comforting words of the glowing god make her more stubborn and unyielding and she prepares to continue her searches. During her wanderings nobody can recognize her. The fatigue and exhaustion have changed her divine incarnation so that no one and nothing can be aware of her. Sometime after covering great distance, the hurt mother arrives at Eleusis, near the palace of the smart king of Keleou.

The exhausted goddess is sitting beside the well of Virgo, under an olive tree, to take a little rest. There she is confronted by the four daughters of Keleou (Kallidiki, Kleisidiki, Dimo and Kallithoi) who had gone to the well with pitchers to get water. In order to not be noticed, Demeter is transformed into a very old woman and enlists the help of four girls. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by JinxMim Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by JinxMim The girls watching the plight of the old woman pitied her and offered to help her. They called her in the palace but prior to the invitation, they request some information about her ancestry. Demeter accepts the invitation but is determined not to reveal her true self. She makes up a fairytale and tells them that her name is Dido and that she originates from Crete.

She also tells them that pirates kidnapped her in order to sell her, but she managed to escape and after wandering she ended up in this place having dire need of support and help… The four daughters of Keleou are touched by the old woman’s story and having already gotten from her further information on qualifications around the housework and child rearing, they decide to take her with them to support her. On the way, the beautiful daughter of Keleou, Kallidiki undertakes the task to orientate the old lady around the area. She presents her the city, the large country houses and assures her that it will not be easy to find accommodation and work in one of them. She also declares that her parents, now in their old age, have just born a boy that definitely needs extra care from a qualified woman. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Midori Harada Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Midori Harada Arriving at the palace, the four girls leave the goddess and run to tell their mother about the incident. The queen is listening with great attention the stories concerning the old lady and she willingly accepts to help and sends her daughters to call her.

The daughters run out with happiness to Demeter, take her and escort her to the palace. Demeter with covered face and black clothes, passes the threshold and confronts the queen and her little son who sat opposite of her on a throne. Demeter, on entering the palace, the inner space is filled with light and her head is reaching on the ceiling. The queen is initially upset and frightened, but then the awe causes her to get up and offer the throne to the dazzling unknown stranger. Demeter unwilling yet to be revealed, nor to infringe the etiquette requires the respect and reverence of anyone to the face of a queen, refuses the honorary position offered by the queen and is sitting on a low stool covered with sheepskin which is given by maid Iamb. The difficult task she has undertaken and the despair do not leave Demeter to express herself freely. Silent and quiet, obviously miserable and desperate, standing still with eyes thrown to the ground. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Natalie Busutti Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Natalie Busutti The atmosphere is very heavy and the maid Iamb in order to lighten it and give it a more cheerful tone starts making jokes.

The cute teasing is affecting everyone in the room. Even Demeter, lured by the overall fun atmosphere, begins to laugh. The queen Metaneira rejoices with the, even temporary, change of old woman's mood. Full of kindness and sympathy she offered her a cup of wine but Demeter, because of mourning, does not accept it. On the contrary, due to exhaustion and hunger that lasted several days, she prefers to ask the Queen for barley and water. The mother of four beautiful girls did not deny this and immediately commands someone to prepare it and to bring it to her. Demeter eats the prepared meal with bulimia and finishing, she announces her intention to take the upbringing and education of the young son of the royal family, Demophon. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Perlamarina Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Perlamarina With great joy and realizing the special nature of the foreign old lady, queen Metaneira willing trusts her only son in her hands. Demeter in the form of unhappy old woman, takes on her side big commitments around the upbringing and care of the child.

She promises before all, that nothing will be missing from the child and that it will never be sick. The statements of the foreign old lady leave everyone speechless. Nobody, at this moment, can imagine that behind these very consequential and binding words lies a goddess. All of them are fascinated by something particular that is emitted by this foreign woman, but no one can understand why. The raising of Demophon and special treatment on the part of the old woman will interpret what they see so far amazing and inexplicable. Demetra undertakes immediately the upbringing of the child with a truly unique and special way. Without breastfeeding and without feeding, she anoints it daily with ambrosia, she blows it with her breath at the night and puts it on a high heat to make it durable and immortal. The offer, on her part, of such a gift is for her the best gratitude and the best reward towards the royal couple for the good things that were given to her.

Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Zeoxisace Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Zeoxisace The upbringing of Demophon continued with the same tactics until one day, quite suddenly, Metaneira appears and understands the strange method of the foreign woman. The queen is shaken by the sight and strongly protests. Not knowing the divine origin of the unknown old woman, she gets really angry with her behavior and begins to fire threats in a very ugly way. Demeter, after the reactions of the queen, is furious and decides to reveal her identity. She does not accept any compromise and shows, from now on, the path and destiny of Demophon. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Zelda Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Zelda Moreover, she requires the construction of a large temple with an altar in her honor, which will be built in accordance with her wishes under the walls of the city on the hill near the Kallichoro well. Finally, she announces the presence of certain feasts in her honor, so in the future, her worship would be established in their places. Demeter does these statements, takes her true form, stands up and leaves.

The queen, as the surrounding crowd, are stunned and bewildered. The little boy perhaps realizing the substantial loss of his nanny starts crying inconsolably. The realization of the wishes of the goddess is now a primary concern of the royal family. The next morning, king Keleos is informed and gathers all the people to announce his intentions. Without losing any time, he commands the building of the, dedicated to the goddess Demeter, temple and asks for the soonest possible completion. Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Arpiwane Demeter (Ceres) Greek Goddess - Art Picture by Arpiwane Demeter, frustrated and desperate, shuts herself in the newly built temple and refuses to return to Olympus. Incensed by the calamities which have found her and from the adverse situations she experienced and continue experiencing, sends to the whole world the greatest misfortune that could ever come. She causes the seeds to stay hidden in the ground and makes the land barren and unable to germinate. Zeus watching that humanity would soon disappear, is forced to raise and take action. He sends primarily the graceful Iris at Eleusis to convince Demeter to return to Olympus, but in vain.

The goddess was determined to not change attitude and behavior, and sends Iris back idly. She also sends back all other gods who went with their gifts to visit and try to persuade her. The father of the gods, watching his efforts end in vain, confronts a real impasse. Hades farewell to Persephone, while offering her to eat a sweet pomegranate seed - Art Picture by Jynette Tigner Hades farewell to Persephone, while offering her to eat a sweet pomegranate seed - Art Picture by Jynette Tigner Unable to think of anything else that could bring positive effect, he decides to personally mediate. He sends Hermes (Roman equivalent is Mercury) to Hades (Roman equivalent is Pluto) and manages to convince him to set Persephone free and allow her to return to her mother. Hades obeys the words of his younger brother and agrees to release his beautiful wife, but did not disclose his sincere intentions. Saying goodbye to Persephone, the ruthless god of the Underworld, offers her to eat a sweet pomegranate seed, so that she will not ever want to return permanently to the mother.

After the farewell, Hermes gets her beautiful daughter, readies his chariot and goes to her mother at Eleusis. Greek Goddess Demeter (Ceres) Statue Madrid-Capitolio (Museo del Prado) Greek Goddess Demeter (Ceres) Statue Madrid-Capitolio (Museo del Prado) Demeter, facing her beloved lost daughter, falls in her arms overflowing with joy. She can't believe the arrival of her daughter, as she can't imagine a fair deal between the two brothers. Knowing Hades obsession and conscious of selfishness and stubbornness that distinguishes him, asks her daughter if her brother, before leaving her, gave her anything to eat. Persephone, innocent as she was, describes in detail to her mother the incident with the pomegranate. Demeter, sadly understands the importance of the event and says to her daughter that from now on, it is required to stay one third of the time near her husband and the remaining two-thirds with her mother. The result, although it is not the best expected, is not dissatisfying for mother and daughter.

Greek Goddess Demeter (Ceres) Statue - Detail from a statue at Kindros, carved around 350 BCE Greek Goddess Demeter (Ceres) Statue - Detail from a statue at Kindros, carved around 350 BCE Being so happy, to be with each other after so much adventure and suffering, they accept, in the mean time, the visit of Rhea at the request of Zeus. The mother of the gods, being happy and satisfied with the final reunion, is proposing as her son's mediator, the return of the two (Demeter and Persephone) to Olympus. Nobody denies this compromise. Demeter accepts the call and hears the request of Zeus to put an end to the calamities that she sent. Upon their return everything is done as before and nature is in full bloom and bears fruits. Demeter, happy again, will not only stand to the level of nature and fertility, but also undertakes to teach kings sacred ceremonies and to introduce them to the mystery cults.

Please leave a comment if you liked this article 🙂 All pictures are also uploaded in Albums on the Greek Mythology Pantheon page on Facebook, visit us at : You may also like: The Olympian Gods and Goddesses Arts and Entertainment > Mythology The Olympian Gods and Goddesses In Greek mythology, twelve gods and goddesses ruled the universe from atop Greece's Mount Olympus. These Olympians had come to power after their leader, Zeus, overthrew his father, Kronos , leader of the Titans. All the Olympians are related to one another. The Romans adopted most of these Greek gods and goddesses, but with new names. Zeus (Roman name: Jupiter) The most powerful of all, Zeus was god of the sky and the king of Olympus. His temper affected the weather, and he threw thunderbolts when he was unhappy. He was married to Hera but had many other lovers. His symbols include the oak and the thunderbolt. See also: The Reign of Thunder and Lightning: Olympus Under Zeus . Hera (Roman name: Juno) Hera was goddess of marriage and the queen of Olympus. She was Zeus's wife and sister; many myths tell of how she sought revenge when Zeus betrayed her with his lovers.

Her symbols include the peacock and the cow. Artemis Poseidon (Roman name: Neptune) Poseidon was god of the sea. He was the most powerful god except for his brother, Zeus. He lived in a beautiful palace under the sea and caused earthquakes when he was in a temper. His symbols include the horse and the trident (a three-pronged pitchfork). See also: The Brothers of Zeus: Poseidon and Hades . Hades (Roman name: Pluto) Hades was king of the dead. He lived in the underworld, the heavily guarded land where he ruled over the dead. He was the brother of Zeus and the husband of Persephone , Demeter 's daughter, whom he kidnapped. See also: The Brothers of Zeus: Poseidon and Hades . Aphrodite (Roman name: Venus) Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty, and the protector of sailors. She may have been the daughter of Zeus and the Titan Dione, or she may have risen from the sea on a shell. Her symbols include the myrtle tree and the dove. See also: Aphrodite . Apollo Apollo was the god of music and healing.

He was also an archer, and hunted with a silver bow. Apollo was the son of Zeus and the Titan Leto , and the twin of Artemis. His symbols include the laurel tree, the crow, and the dolphin. See also: Night of the Hunters: Artemis and Apollo . Ares (Roman name: Mars) Ares was the god of war. He was both cruel and a coward. Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera, but neither of his parents liked him. His symbols include the vulture and the dog, and he often carried a bloody spear. See also: Hephaestus and Ares . Artemis (Roman name: Diana) Artemis was the goddess of the hunt and the protector of women in childbirth. She hunted with silver arrows and loved all wild animals. Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin of Apollo. Her symbols include the cypress tree and the deer. See also: Night of the Hunters: Artemis and Apollo . Athena (Roman name: Minerva) Athena was the goddess of wisdom. She was also skilled in the art of war, and helped heroes such as Odysseus and Hercules.

Athena sprang full-grown from the forehead of Zeus, and became his favorite child. Her symbols include the owl and the olive tree. Hermes See also: First in War, First in Peace: Athena . Hephaestus (Roman name: Vulcan) Hephaestus was the god of fire and the forge (a furnace in which metal is heated). Although he made armor and weapons for the gods, he loved peace. He was the son of Zeus and Hera and married Aphrodite. His symbols include the anvil and the forge. See also: Hephaestus and Ares . Hestia (Roman name: Vesta) Hestia was the goddess of the hearth (a fireplace at the center of the home). She was the most gentle of the gods, and does not play a role in many myths. Hestia was the sister of Zeus and the oldest of the Olympians. Fire is among her symbols. See also: Home and Harvest: The Sisters of Hera . Hermes (Roman name: Mercury) Hermes was the messenger god, a trickster, and a friend to thieves. He was said to have invented boxing and gymnastics.

He was the son of Zeus and the constellation Maia. The speediest of all, he wore winged sandals and a winged hat and carried a magic wand. …also sometimes included: Demeter (Roman name: Ceres) Demeter was the goddess of the harvest. The word “cereal” comes from her Roman name. She was the sister of Zeus. Her daughter, Persephone, was forced to live with Hades each winter; at this time Demeter let no crops grow. Her symbols include wheat. See also: Home and Harvest: The Sisters of Hera . Dionysus (Roman name: Bacchus) Dionysus was the god of wine, which he invented. In ancient Greece Dionysus was honored with springtime festivals that centered on theater. Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele, a mortal. His symbols include ivy, the snake, and grapes.

Question: Ceres is the Roman name for which Greek Goddess?
Answer: DEMETER